After nearly two weeks of matches, the group stages of this year’s European Championships came to a thrilling end, with Group F going through every permutation before France, Portugal and Germany secured their slots into the last 16.
With a two day break, before the knockout stages get underway, we take a look at who will play who – and where – in the next round of Euro 2020.
Well this one doesn’t need too much of an introduction does it? Gareth Southgate’s side have so far done their business quietly and pragmatically, scoring only two goals but managing to keep a clean sheet in all three of their group games – a first for the nation at a Euros. Raheem Sterling has provided both goals and the performances of Jack Grealish and Bukayo Saka impressed the nation against the Czech Republic. An underwhelming performance against Scotland almost sent the country into meltdown but the fact this German side is the weakest England have faced – possibly ever – is a sign that history may not repeat itself. Southgate will be looking for redemption after missing the crucial penalty at Euro ‘96 and Wembley would be the perfect place to get that revenge.
Joachim Low is bowing out of the German manager’s job after this tournament and defeat to England would likely leave a sour taste in the mouth of the 2014 World Cup winner. A Jekyll and Hyde group stage almost saw the Germans crash out at the hands of Hungary but a late Leon Goretzka goal in Munich spared any blushes and set up a tie with England. Germany’s use of wingbacks has looked dangerous going forward, which was evident as they ran out 4-2 winners against Portugal. Without a recognised striker and one of the poorest defences in a generation, Manuel Neuer can be expected to be busy in the German goal, as the likes of Harry Kane, Sterling, Grealish and Phil Foden look to write themselves into the history books and beat Germany on route to Euro glory.
Sweden vs Ukraine – Tuesday 29 June – Glasgow – 20.00
The last game of the round arguably has two of the outsiders left in this tournament. Sweden have looked like a tidy side who can cause teams trouble with the likes of Emile Forsberg and Alexander Isak up front and are defensively assured. Clean sheets against Spain and Slovakia were followed by two goals from Robert Lewandowski but they can be forgiven for conceding two to one the greatest number nines in world football. The draw means victory here would see the Swedes take on the winners of that England vs Germany tie.
The trouble with having best-placed third-placed teams means not always the best sides go through. Ukraine managed to scrape through, courtesy of a 2-1 win over North Macedonia and even that game didn’t go all their way. The Macedonians almost conjured up an equaliser late on and defeat to Austria in their final group game showed just how poor this side is. Captained by Manchester City’s Oleksandr Zinchencko and with West Ham’s Andriy Yarmelenko there is talent in Andriy Shevchenko’s squad but you would give them a better chance if the former AC Milan legend was leading the line in this one.
With a raft of exciting fixtures there will be plenty more talking points, goals and upsets along the way. Now time for a couple days of rest before the action gets back under way on Saturday evening.